Massage has stood the test of time, being part of our history/herstory for centuries. It is essentially the art of touch. Through the manipulation of the soft tissues, massage affects the many different systems in the body, promoting healing, improving circulation, stimulating or soothing the nervous system, easing sore aching muscles and joints, and offering an overall feeling of relaxation and well being.
Appropriate massage is beneficial whether used for stress reduction or musculoskeletal problems, or as an intervention to enhance health and improve body alignment and function.
Today, massage is practised in a variety of different settings:
•
private clinics
• hospitals
• nursing homes
• spas
• factories
• health clubs
• hospices
• out calls/on-site
Massage Therapy is effective in dealing with many conditions including:
•
back and neck pain
• whiplash
• strains/sprains
• muscle spasm
• headaches/tension, migraine
• frozen shoulder
• arthritis
• tendonitis/bursitis
• constipation
• circulation problems
• plantar fasciitis
First visit
On your first visit you will be asked to complete a confidential health history form. Your therapist will go over your health history with you and discuss any concerns that you may have. The massage you receive will suit your personal needs. In some cases we may suggest exercises or hydrotherapy (hot or cold applications) for you to do at home. When a client and therapist work together like this, it yields faster results.
The massage is normally one hour in length, this allows time to work on a specific area as well as any areas that may have compensated for an injury, and gives you and your body time to adjust and relax. Half hour and hour and a half appointments are also available.
During the massage you will be fully covered, only the area being worked on will be undraped.
The massage techniques used will vary from basic Swedish massage to more specialized techniques such as frictions or trigger point therapy; this will depend upon your needs.
We want your massage experience to be a positive one. If there is anything you are not sure about - please ask. Questions are always welcome.
RMT
A registered massage therapist had completed a minimum of 2200 hours of training at a provincially regulated private school or college.
The student must complete courses in anatomy, pathology, physiology, neurology. kinesiology, hydrotherapy and have a complete working knowledge of each. The techniques of Swedish massage are taught as well as assessment and remedial exercise.
Upon graduation candidates are examined and licensed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario under the guidelines set out by the Regulated Health Professions Act.